Back in 1987, when this golden slice of Eighties Americana was first unleashed, whispers suggested it was packing more punch than its official rating of 245hp (183kW). It was a bruiser, but its reputation always hinted at something lurking just below the surface.

Fast forward to today, and the Buick Grand National has returned with its full menace laid bare, producing a frankly mind-bending 1,246hp (930kW) on its “sensible” tune. Enter the 'INVADR', a staggering showcase from Jim and Mike Ring - the legendary duo behind Ringbrothers. And if you’ve missed these two, well, they’re back with a vengeance.

The Grand National has been a cult icon, a serious machine dressed as an otherwise ordinary Buick Regal. Its 3.8-liter turbo V6 was deceptively potent, hidden under boxy, almost unassuming lines. But now, Ringbrothers have pulled the GN out of its quiet retirement and strapped a veritable rocket to its rear.

“This car is all about presence,” Mike Ring says. “The bodywork may appear subtle at a glance, but give it a second look and then, the true ferocity of what’s under the hood starts to materialise. And when you drive it… well, it’s a whole new game.”

Mike doesn’t mince words. The 'INVADR' isn’t just a reimagined classic; it’s a monster. Ringbrothers call it the fastest car they’ve ever built, which, considering their track record, is not a claim made lightly.

Underneath, it’s got a fully re-engineered, Duttweiler Performance-tuned 3.8-liter V6, now sporting twin 62mm Precision turbos that force 2.2 bar of boost into custom, hand-ported aluminium cylinder heads, all churning through a billet crank. The level of craftsmanship here is nothing short of astonishing: bespoke intake manifold, all-aluminium block, and a stout six-speed manual transmission that somehow holds it all together.

The chassis is a custom build from Roadster Shop, fitted with three-way adjustable Penske dampers for razor-sharp handling. Stopping power comes courtesy of massive six-pot Brembo calipers and ceramic brakes, while a carbon fibre driveshaft channels that immense power to the wheels. 

In other words, this isn’t just a throwback to the Eighties, this is Ringbrothers at their absolute peak, building a machine that looks to rewrite the rules of speed.